Monday, September 12, 2011

College-Style

College-Style

My First Few Days at College

Posted: 11 Sep 2011 01:25 PM PDT

By Madison from Samford University. Follow me @freckshairbows.

It's official! I am finally a college student! This past week, I have moved in, started classes and  met a TON of people. It has been overwhelming at times and kinda stressful, but I've somehow made it. Here is a little run down of what I have been through.

Friday was move-in day at Samford. I packed all of my stuff into two cars and took the three hour drive to campus. I was so anxious and nervous that I didn't get much sleep the night before (something I do not recommend) so I was pretty tired during the drive. Once my family and I arrived, there was a huge bustle of cars, people and belongings. We had to unload our car quickly and turn in paperwork to get the keys to my room. Helpers took my stuff up to my room and I began unpacking. I brought a lot of stuff, but it all fit, which was awesome. My dad and brother helped me set up curtains, fix my bed and make sure everything was in order.

My roommate, Nicole, and I knew each other before move-in day, so there wasn't that sometimes awkward first introduction. We both set up our sides of the room and asked each other advice about a few things. It was nice to have someone to ask girly things about since my mom was unable to come help me move in.

After I had everything moved in, all of the freshman began an on campus program called Connections. This was a fast-paced schedule of events that brought freshman into the Samford world. It was pretty hectic at times, but still fun. I met lots of people in my small groups as well as other groups. I was pretty nervous introducing myself, but once you started talking, it was pretty easy to begin to loosen up and talk about your major, hometown, etc. You get asked where you are from A LOT. It's a pretty good icebreaker, but it does get old after the 100th time.

One thing that I disliked about Connections was the lack of free time. You were immediately transitioning from leaving home, moving-in and then to small groups. Classes started at the end. I didn't have time to let my new surroundings sink-in or have time to process it all. That was rough because I had a homesick breakdown the second day of school due to the lack of sleep and it all hitting me. I suggest getting as MUCH sleep as possible before you begin classes because it is pretty rough on you if you don't.

My favorite part of Connections was the Dierks Bentley concert! The school hosted a back-to-school event with free items from various vendors and Dierks performed. It was great music and a great starter to back to school. Everyone from the school was invited, not just freshman, so I got to see others that were a part of my new home. Samford University is not as big as your typical state school. It was nice to know that I was part of a smaller group and I was excited for classes the next day.

The first day of class started out right with a cute outfit and my journalism class (my favorite class this semester). Breakfast started out with me sitting alone at one point, but then people came into the cafeteria that I knew. I definitely suggest figuring out who to go to meals with the first week or so of classes to avoid sitting alone. Once you know more people it will be easier to find a group to sit with. The day went by pretty fast even though I had four classes. Right away I had homework, so I took a trip to the library for two hours to do some reading and start on my first essay assignment. It felt good to be getting work done earlier in the day so I had free time at night.

The rest of the week involved trips to Walmart, more homework, calls back home to my family and Skyping with my boyfriend. Talking with the ones you love helps with homesickness, but can also make you miss home a LOT. Having that person to talk to that encourages you to stay focused and have fun is a great thing to have. Try finding a person back home to get advice from and talk to whenever you need it the most.

These past few days have been busy and sometimes a little too much to handle, but I am thankful for the experiences to come and can't wait to get everything in a routine and be comfortable in my new home away from home! Go Bulldogs! :)

Thoughts?

Want to tell us your move-in story? Do you have any advice for incoming freshman? Email us at info@college-style.com!

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